Marceline Celebrates Our Nation's Birth

[Editorial Note: The LCL is looking for photo submissions from Marceline's Fourth of July Celebration. If you place in the Baby Show, Talent Show, or State Fair Idol Show. If you have an entry in the parade, or just have a fun photo to share, please e-mail your submissions to dwatson@linncountyleader.com after the Independence Day holiday is over.]

No one celebrates our nation's birth like the Marceline Fire Department, and the annual Marceline Fourth of July celebration. This year will be no different!

Everything kicks off on June 28 with Armband Night from 7-11 p.m. and discounted tickets. At the main stage, the Missouri State Fair Idol Competition will begin. Acts must pre-audition, and you can contact a fireman to find out how. There will be a $500 cash prize and the winner will also sing the National Anthem before the fireworks display on July 4. Also, the winner will automatically be entered into the State Fair Idol competition this summer in Sedalia. The State Fair is on August 8-18.

On June 29, the semifinal and final rounds of the State Fair Idol Competition will start at 7 p.m. There will still be armbands and discounted tickets for the Carnival. A kid's fishing tournament will also be held from 9-11 a.m. At Ripley Park.

On June 30, discounted tickets and armbands for the carnival continue. The baby show, sponsored by Alpha Nu Beta Sorority, will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by live music from a DJ. The adult fishing tournament will be that morning, conducted under Puddle Jumpers rules, from 6 a.m. - Noon at the Marceline City Lake. There is a $25 entry fee, with two-man teams.

July 1 will be the final night for discounted tickets to the carnival. Armbands will still be available from 7-11 p.m. The Second Annual Tiger Auction, sponsored by the Marceline Tiger Booster Club, and hosted by the LCL's Dustin Watson, will start at 7 p.m. Male athletes from the Marceline High School football, wrestling, basketball, track and golf teams will be up for grabs. All monies raised will benefit Tiger athletics.

The Marceline Tiger Booster Club will have a special series of folks in the dunk tank on July 1 as well. From 6-7 p.m. Head Wrestling Coach Josh Moore will be in the dunk tank. From 7-8 p.m. Middle School Softball Coach Courtney Hatfield will be in the tank. New Marceline High School Prinicpal Matt Finch will begin his MHS administrative career in the tank from 8-9 p.m. The evening will conclude with Superintendent Gabe Edgar in the dunk tank from 9-10 p.m.

On July 2, armband night for the carnival will run from 7-11 p.m. The talent show will start at 7 p.m. and contestants are asked to register at the stage at 6 p.m. No piano will be provided, and acts will need to bring their own CD accompaniment. All entries are subject to approval.

On July 3, armband night for the carnival runs from 7-11 p.m. The Fire Department will be featuring their famous Buffalo Burgers. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy these delicious treats. There will also be live music by Haywire.

Page 2 of 2 - The event wraps up on July 4. Armband night runs from 7-11 p.m. to close out the Carnival. The parade will be at 3 p.m. with line-up at 2:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church. All floats, walkers, bikers, cars, tractors, and horses, etc. are welcome. Call Joe Sportsman at 376-3779 to get entered. There will be live music by the Phil Vandel Band on the stage. The main event of the whole festival, the fireworks display, will begin at 11 p.m.